Harry Grant pushes for shorter NRL season to ease World Cup scheduling
The Kangaroos captain wants a shorter NRL season to let players focus on World Cup preparation instead of contract talks.
Harry Grant, the Melbourne hooker and Kangaroos captain, says a shorter NRL season would fix the chaos of contract negotiations during international campaigns. Close to half of the squad chosen for the current World Cup started their final contract year as the campaign began.
Grant believes a shortened season would also help smaller nations get more games against top teams. The Perth Bears join the NRL in 2027 and PNG Chiefs in 2028, putting pressure on clubs to lock in rosters fast.
- Close to half
- Squad in final contract year
- 2027
- Perth Bears entry
- 2028
- PNG Chiefs entry
- France and Cook Islands
- World Cup non-winners
Why it mattersA shorter season would let top players focus on international duty while it could strengthen the Test game for smaller teams.
AustraliaThe proposal highlights how global expansion of the NRL is straining club rosters and complicating player negotiations during Australia's World Cup campaign.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
